Where to get a certified nursing assistant license?

Do any of you know if nursing assistants or CNA are in demand in Los Angeles?

• Hi guys! I'm currently studying to become a certified nursing assistant in my current state of NJ but I plan on moving right after I get my license. Do any of you know if they are ...show more

• Answer:

  We seem to have a glut of CNAs as the training period is so short, I think probably people who were laid off went into it, because there was a need in the past. An inexperienced CNA, if they can find a job, would likely start off at $10, unless they got really lucky, and some are paid $8 an hour, our minimum wage. Many new CNAs work at old folk's homes, doing non-medical type duties, but they often want a year experience. You can try to get hired by a private party, but the competition is stiff, lots of good, experienced CNAs willing to work for under $15 an hour even in the most expensive areas of town. It's impossible to live here on those incomes, one needs about double minimum wage. The low end for studios is about $800, Section 8 welfare voucher rate is close to $900, so you aren't going to find anything much cheaper than $800. Unlike places like NY, we don't really have illegal sublets and too many roommates in units. Because of landlord-tenant laws, landlords are quick to find out and handle these situations. Typically, it's difficult to find a position without any experience, most decent jobs want at least a year. (It's like that for new professionals in the medical industry in CA, including physicians and RN's, very tough to find a job without experience here, even with a top education.) Does NJ have reciprocity with CA for CNA certification? If you have a good living situation in NJ, you probably want to work there for at least a year (many want 2 - 3 years experience) and then see about getting a job here. Good luck!